JAMMU, Jun 29: Talking to media persons in Srinagar during his three-day visit to the Valley, Mission Statehood Jammu Kashmir President Sunil Dimple said he has launched a campaign to unite political parties, civil society groups, traders, intellectuals and people from different walks of life for a common struggle seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Dimple said that despite the direction of the Supreme Court of India that statehood be restored at the earliest, the issue remains unresolved. He alleged that the BJP has remained non-committal on the restoration of statehood, citing the need for an “appropriate time.”
Addressing reporters at Lal Chowk, Dimple said his visit to Kashmir is aimed at bringing all political parties and leaders onto a single platform to strengthen the movement for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
“I have come to Kashmir on a mission to unite all political parties, social organisations, traders, intellectuals and people from every section of society so that a united struggle can be launched for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood,” Dimple said.
He claimed to have held meetings with several political leaders, representatives of various organisations, traders and intellectuals during his visit. According to him, they discussed the need for a coordinated movement on issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
Dimple also reiterated his demand for the restoration of Article 370 and called for the implementation of the Standstill Agreement and the conditions of the Instrument of Accession. Further, he advocated the unification of Ladakh, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Gilgit and Baltistan with Jammu and Kashmir. These are political demands and reflect his views.
Appealing to Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, Dimple said the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir is peaceful and normal, and therefore the time has come to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He urged the Central Government to take an early decision on the issue, stating that it would strengthen democratic institutions and address the aspirations of the people.
Among those present during the interaction were Dr. Zahoor, Dr. Inayat Ali, Qoom, Riyaz Khan, Mudasir, Abdul Rather, Geelani, Ramzan Choudhary, Javed Khan and several other social and political activists, who, according to Dimple, expressed support for discussions on issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.